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How To Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad

How To Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad - Gourmet And Food

Salads often get a bad rap for being boring. But trust me, this Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad will change that perception. 
I constantly seek out recipes that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. This salad combines vibrant greens, creamy cheese, and a sweet-tart dressing that lends itself to creativity.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 322
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup finely shaved red onion
  • 4 cups of tender baby greens blend such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix
  • 2 oz. creamy goat cheese, gently crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sweet dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey-glazed pecans or walnuts
For the Dressing:
  • 1½ tablespoons creamy mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon real maple syrup
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cold-pressed olive oil

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Greens
  1. Start by rinsing your baby greens thoroughly under cold water. Dry them using a salad spinner or by patting them gently with a paper towel.
  2. Freshness is key, and this will ensure you remove any dirt or grit. Place the greens in a large salad bowl, forming the base of your creation.
Step 2: Add the Red Onion
  1. Finely shave the red onion and sprinkle it over the greens. Red onions pack a punch, so if you’re not a fan of the strong taste, consider soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes.
  2. This step will mellow their flavor without losing that essential crunch.
Step 3: Introduce the Cranberries and Pomegranate Seeds
  1. Now, let’s add the fun! Throw in the sweet dried cranberries and pomegranate seeds. These little gems not only symbolize love and prosperity but also add fabulous texture and sweetness to each bite.
Step 4: Crumble the Goat Cheese
  1. Next up, introduce the creamy goat cheese. Using your fingers, crumble it over the salad. The goat cheese offers a rich, tangy flavor, and when it combines with the greens, it creates a luxurious experience.
Step 5: Add the Nuts
  1. It’s time for the crunchy touch. Toss in the honey-glazed pecans or walnuts. Their sweetness complements the tart cranberries wonderfully.
  2. If you have guests with nut allergies, feel free to skip this step or substitute with something crunchy like crispy chickpeas.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sea salt, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, black pepper, and olive oil. Taste as you go.
  2. Adjust the sweetness or seasoning to suit your preference. This dressing should enhance the ingredients without overpowering them.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
  2. Toss everything gently with salad tongs to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. I like to serve it right away to keep the greens crisp. Enjoy this vibrant bowl of flavors!

Notes

  • Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of your greens and toppings directly affects the flavor.
  • Don’t rush the dressing: Allow the flavors to meld a bit in the dressing before adding it to the salad.
  • Experiment with cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or blue cheese as substitutes.
  • Mix it up: Swap the nuts for seeds or add grilled chicken if you desire more protein.
Make it ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble closer to mealtime for freshness.